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regarding tuning a floating trem, you just need to balance the trem in tuning, this involves retuning 4 or 5 times, to get that back(always tunning up as educator says).
It's odd, but once you understand the how the floating trem needs balances it stays in tune for yonks. (mexi strat is my reference.)
It doesn't look anything like that. This is a 2017 model, with a Fender style headstock. The bridge pickup is a SD JB, as used by Jerry Cantrell and Jeff Beck. The other is a SD 59. I don't have hair like that, either 😁.
Oh. and it's a hardtail. It is white, though 😎
regarding tuning a floating trem, you just need to balance the trem in tuning, this involves retuning 4 or 5 times, to get that back(always tunning up as educator says).
It’s odd, but once you understand the how the floating trem needs balances it stays in tune for yonks. (mexi strat is my reference.)
I realise that. Staying in tune has never been a problem, it's the process of retuning 4/5 times to get there. It's especially annoying with crap tuners.
I guess my dislike of trems started when I had an Ibanez with a Floyd Rose about 25 years ago. Lovely guitar, apart from the mission that was changing tunings and installing new strings.
fair do's. I did hate mine before I got used to it, don't have a trem arm, but the the odd wee subtle movement of the trem block with the palm of your hand is nice.
installing new strings.
NYXL btw, last for yonks and seem to be indestructible. 😆 (10s balanced tension for me.)
ps always replace shit tuners, that simple action always turns shit guitars into something workable!
Fortunately, this Charvel comes with locking tuners that actually feel nice 😀
I've never understood the point of locking tuners, rap the string properly and it won't move. Always seemed a solution for a problem that doesn't exist.
Is that the Tele one?
I had one for ages - very good guitars.
Mine was bright orange
I’ve never understood the point of locking tuners, rap the string properly and it won’t move. Always seemed a solution for a problem that doesn’t exist.
I've never had them, so I can't comment: I'm primarily interested in tuners that work. However, I can see the theory behind locking tuners as it means you don't have to wrap the strings around, which removes tuning instability due to poorly wrapped strings (yeah, I know: Learn to wrap strings properly). They probably aren't as important on hardtails, either. It may be their main purpose is on strat-style guitars that have trems, but not locking nuts.
Is that the Tele one?
No, it's the Style 1, which is Strat-shaped. I quite like the tele-style one but I've never seen one in the flesh as most stores here don't seem to stock them.
Another NYXL 10-46 user here.
Brilliant, actually “brilliant”
Last about 4weeks one one guitar, about 5-6 on the other one.
Another NYXL 10-46 user here.
They're what I've got on my Strat and PRS. Of course, the Charvel has whatever strings it came with, but I'll probably stick with D'Addario when they need replacing.
So then, Lancashire guitar show today.
Lots of lovely stuff, walked away with the second cheapest guitar in the whole place, a Vintage VS6 SG that looks like someone has used it to fight off zombies. And lost.
I just fell for it, nothing I could do. Not posh, deeply uncool but plays like a dream and sounds like the apocalypse. £90.00 including new strings and a bag. Delighted.
Aaaand Mrs S decided she needed something to pass the time whilst her new knee keeps her off the bike, so she bought an immaculate Paisley Pink Japanese Tele 🙃.
15 years and still surprises me on a regular basis.
It's so beautiful I could weep, sounds like a choir of filthy angels and cost a bloody fortune 🙂.
Still, should keep her out of trouble for a while.
And she paid for it herself.
Noisy in here tonight. 😀
I just upgraded the pickups on my mexi strat, tbh I was never happy with the stock.
Got some seymour duncan ssl-1s, neck and middle, and ssl-5.
Greatest 150 quid upgrade I've ever done, superb pickups! Well around 200 quid truth be told, I've an ssl-1 bridge to sell to recoup some money back.
I may be about to buy a 2009 Fender American Standard Strat. I've rented in from my local store to try out and thinking I'm going to complete the deal. It's absolutely spotless, other than a yellowed pick guard, which is a little odd: I suspect it was a display model.
It plays beautifully.
https://imgur.com/gallery/dVms4Dx
A little more than £500, though. Sorry, felt like sharing.
Mikey - fender do do an off white pickguard - are you sure it’s not intentional?
Couple of comments above about not getting locking tuners. They make changing strings quicker as you don’t need to wrap the string round the peg so much. Thread the string through, pull tight, lock and tune. You end up with about half a turn or so on there.
Take a pick guard screw out to see the original colour.
Noisy in here tonight.
👍
Latest upgrade for me has recently been a set of twisted tele pickups, on the tele. Pretty sounding but a bit to much output.
Bought a couple of pedals, The Dane from thropyFx and a QTron from Electroharmonics..
Oh God, she's bought herself another one. 🙂
Popped into Pro Solo on the way to Aldi - she wanted a clip on tuner instead of an Easter Egg.
She played pretty much everything in the shop and chose a Faith Venus Natural electro, solid spruce gloss top, solid mahogany satin back and sides.
Apparently it spoke to her 🙃.
It spoke to me too, it said 'I cost a bloody fortune, step away sunshine'.
I had to have a little sit down.
It's amazing. I played it when I bought my LAG, but sense prevailed and I saved £500.
Having played it again, it's probably worth the extra. It's bloody gorgeous, perfectly set up, flawless and came with a very nice case and a humidifier.
So, in the past two weeks she's bought two stunning guitars.
God knows what's going to happen when she has the other knee replaced.
So, Sue's had the other knee replaced.........and I've ended up with a new guitar..😶
It was a complete accident. We went to Salford to pay for a new kitchen and popped in to PMT because she needed a new strap.
I tried nearly every guitar in the place whilst waiting and had a bit of a revelation.
You know I said in the OP no pointy stuff?
Honestly, nothing I could do, choirs of angels, funny feeling in the pit of my stomach, silly grin.
It's beautiful. And the same colour as the new knee! If she can have something new and purple, so can I........
Perfectly made, ridiculously comfy and sounds amazing clean or dirty.
An incredibly versatile guitar and stupidly fun to play.
So then, this year I've ended up with the (£90) Vintage SG, the secondhand LAG acoustic (£179) and now this 🙂
Still got the Squier Tele, but tend to borrow her Jap Paisley one 'cos it's just soooooo nice to play.
Things I have learned:
1. Price has very little correlation with how you feel about a guitar, you have to go with your heart.
2. Gibson quality control is still rubbish.
I quite fancied a Firebird, but finding a new one that didn't need work was impossible.
3. Pointy guitars can have soul.
4. The people at PMT are delightful and patient. They know you're doomed, they just have to wait...
Next year I shall be mostly staying away from guitar shops.
Ta.
Ohh, updates ?
Sold my Tele...
Bought a CSMB 60’s Strat...
Blackstar 6L6 Studio 10 amp...
and 4 moar pedals...
two MotherMary straps...
Think I’m done for a while now..
🙂
Tease....
Why dump the Tele? Everyone needs a Tele...
I think I've seen the Strat on a separate thread, white-ish relic? (The guitar, not you...).
Worth it? Who built it? Andertons?
And pedals?
Let me guess, a Dane, a couple of other Thorpy's and a Miku?
I've gone all Boss with a CE5 chorus and a DD7 delay. Spandextastic!
Anyone else?
in the last week I sold my Les Paul Standard 93 and 2014 limited edition Fender Custom Shop Tele
Bought Nord Electro 6D which is absolutely fantastic and £££ over
Not to worry I still have to many guitars
Hmm, too many guitars?
The Squier Tele has P90's and was my first electric. I bought it when I was looking after my mum, to give me something to take my mind off things. Never getting rid, although it gets played the least, it's a lovely instrument. When I'm in a blues mood, nothing is quite the same.
The Vintage SG is my only Gibson style guitar and I like it very much indeed - I actually prefer it to the 10 or so real SG's I've tried. The fact that it was so cheap and looks a bit knackered only adds to the appeal.
Constantly amazed my how much fun it is and how it nails classic Gibson tones.
Buy one. They really are excellent.
The LAG acoustic does everything I need, but the top is lifting a bit. I'll replace it with an all solid mahogany acoustic when it becomes unplayable - no rush.
The Ibanez is just amazing - I fell in love with the neck, the comfort, the quality and the versatility of the pickups. Great value too, (£800 is a lot of cash, but not for a Fuji-Gen built guitar) and it's a classic with a voice of it's own.
Took a bit of dialling in to my Orange amp (turn down the mids, play loud) but worth the effort.
The Palma Classical gets played by the granddaughter and is light enough to be rested on a newly replaced knee. So that's safe.
Recently replaced a Vox AD50VT (too heavy) with an Orange Crush 35RT - sounds better though not as versatile. Struggles a bit at low, post midnight volumes, loud enough to cope with a drummer.
Might get replaced with something like a DV Mark head and a Barefaced cab.
I wish I liked Katanas but they don't do it for me. Bit bland?
The Fender Champ 600 stays - immaculate cleans, passes the wife approval living room test, bloody loud when required.
I'd trade it for a Princeton, but not at current Princeton prices. Ten times the price, can't really justify it.
I think a bigger house might be the answer. 🙂
I know a session guitarist who knows his stuff. I mean really knows it.
Lifelong vintage custom Strat lover, until recently trying an Ibanez Jem like wot Steve Vai uses. He seemed reluctant to admit he likes it more than his custom Strat. But that’s what he says.
Tease….
Why dump the Tele? Everyone needs a Tele… - my mate bought it, after I replaced the pickups in it, I then fell out of love with it 🤷♂️
I think I’ve seen the Strat on a separate thread, white-ish relic? (The guitar, not you…).
Worth it? Who built it? Andertons? - yes, I picked it up and it fell into my hands and into a Princeton Amp nearby and I smirked and my wallet wrinkled. On the ticket it’s got Dennis Galuzka on it. Yes Andertons, it’s my local “have everything I want” store. I have a Deusenburg Paloma too, which is pretty damn awesome.And pedals?
Let me guess, a Dane - a Strymon Big Sky and Flint, Origin Effects Cali Compressor, EH QTron, TC Electronics Flashback and Digitech Trio+, presonos for the laptop and BiasFX plugins.
That’s it, it’s taken some time to get what I want and for it all work together nicely. I’m not into metal or distortion (Neo-Soul/Funk/Jazz - d’angelo/Isiah Sharkey esq) so the Danes on a low gain and treble boost, the Big Sky is ethereal and the Flint is on for some modulation, the Cali is always on and just about dialled (but keep pissing about with it getting a clean funk sound ATM, driving me nuts) the QTron is for that 70’s wah and modulation, the Flashbacks hardly used as the Big Sky does all the delay/reverb (might sell it) the Trio+ is for loops and adding bass lines and rhythm and is cool (I should use it more often) the BiasFX is the software for the studio, don’t use it as much as I should and there are about 1m plugins.. but I have my sound I like through the board now. I’ve also got a Boss GT1 for travelling.
Next purchase will be a fully clean amp, the Blackstar 6L6 is brilliant but I want a totally clean 6L6 derived amp.. Princeton’s the obvious choice but I want either a Rift or Morgan or Tone King and about 20w will be more than enough for me since I only play at home for my own enjoyment.
I like your setup, it looks like you are into more distortion than me... how’s that working out? Sound dialled yet? Musical tastes? Fave guitarist? In a band etc?
Me?!?
I'm rubbish.
Started again after a 20 year layoff last Christmas, mate's son was in hospital for a while and we suggested a guitar to help with his recovery.
Then my wife decided she wanted to learn, so I started again, from scratch.
Have got rid of all my old bad habits and learned new ones.😶
Play with family and friends a few times a week, just rhythm for me mostly. Too many favourite guitarists to mention but Wilko Johnson and Magic Sam are at the top.
Everything sounds great through an Orange amp - as long as you like crunchy, British style overdrive tones. 🙂
Luckily, I do.
The Fender is a gem and sounds beautiful clean. It's a 5 watt Chinese built job, nothing special but perfect for home use.
This has turned into the thread that taste forgot.
Pointy Ibanez/Jackson/Washburn/etc guitars looked terrible in the 80s/early 90s, when they were popular; age hasn't done them any favours either.
This said, we have just become a dealer for FGN, who used to make the Japanese Fenders, and have a few pointy ones in stock. Personally I prefer the Tele inspired guitars they make, though.
JP
Me?!?
I’m rubbish.
Ha!
Me too, that’s why I play at home.
I know. Not a huge 80's metal fan either. Never even had a perm.
I wasn't keen on the looks at first, I love it now.
Best playing guitar I've ever picked up, very different, great fun.
Ah well, never liked blondes until I met my wife either. 🙂
No shredding for me, but the cleans are superb and it sounds amazing with a cranked amp.
Sold to the fat lad at the back.
This said, we have just become a dealer for FGN, who used to make the Japanese Fenders, and have a few pointy ones in stock.
Oh God, same factory as mine. The quality is flawless.
I think we need pics of the Custom Shop Strat, Bb. 🙂
This said, we have just become a dealer for FGN, who used to make the Japanese Fenders, and have a few pointy ones in stock.
Oh God, same factory as mine. The quality is flawless.
Yeah - they are very well made.
JP
Pointy Ibanez/Jackson/Washburn/etc guitars looked terrible in the 80s/early 90s, when they were popular; age hasn’t done them any favours either.
Oh, I dunno...
These are very collectable now...
Might not be everyones first choice, but sure as eggs is eggs the 80's hair metal will return one day.
Charvel/Kramer/BC Rich/and RS's Ibanez... all very collectable now, and if you are interested they're still made and very fine guitars too.
Satchel from Steel Panther seems to like the era..
🙂
Everyone needs something a bit fun.
I love Teles, SG's etc, but the pointy stuff is so refreshing to play.
I like the thin necks. Wasn't expecting to, but there you go. The flat fretboard is great for chords, despite the received wisdom.
Certainly much easier than the Squier Classic Tele II (pictured in the OP) which is a bit of a monster by comparison.
The body shape on the RG550 is basically just a pointy double cut Tele with a belly cut and arm chamfer. Nowt radical there.
The pickups are odd - never a fan of 'that' sound in over produced, 80's rock, but the volume control goes both ways.
Said it before but the cleans are outstanding - complex, emotive, beautiful. No shit, would make a great jazz guitar. 🙂
Does it sound like a Fender or Gibson? No, it sounds like an Ibanez. Equally nice, just different.
Because it's a reissue of the original, it has the original Edge trem.
Love it so far. No slack, no floppyness, stays in tune perfectly.
As with bikes, I'm not a brand snob, but I like things that are well made, versatile and practical. Hence the Surly Trucker, the most expensive bike I'll ever buy, but quality, capable and fun.
Same with the RG.
I might take it to our local folk night up in Brierfield. 🙂
Dirty Old Town through a BigMuff? Sounds fun.
Has anyone tried a digitex trio plus? I’m gassing for one of these for home jamming.
I have enough amps and twiddling sticks for now 🙂
digitex trio plus
D'ya mean Digitech Trio+ ??
Yeah, I've got one. So far it's been used to simulate rhythms from tracks I play along to, then once I've set it I just jam along to the rhythm it's created.
<span style="font-size: 0.8rem;">Has all you need to create a background rhythm section in a loop, and vastly creative. Comes with some pre-sets for the rhythm section Blues/RnB/Rock/Alt Rock/Metal/Pop/E-Pop/Hip-Hop/Country/Folk/Latin/Jazz, then tempo/style/drums/bass... and so on. Frankly I've only played with the basics and it's far more capable than I've found out yet (like I said ^^) </span>
I bought it because I have a number of chord sequences I like, and instead of playing along to a rhythm section off a track I'd be playing along to I thought I'd need something programmable to assist and enhance.
Can't remember the RRP, but Andertons is where I got mine from. Once I get back into the swing of playing without learning tracks I'll plug it back in again and plonk away.
Do I think it's worth it? Hmmmm.... I'm not going to recommend anything because I don't know what your budget is.. But before you buy one, check out ThatPedalShow and Andertons for their pedal reviews, both of them have reviewed it...
HTH's
No, but it sounds fun.
Apologies for the thread resurrection btw, but I'm laid up in bed atm with just the guitars and amps in reach.
I think I may be getting a bit obsessed. 🙂
Ta for all the replies. Sacrilege, but The Fretboard is a nice guitar forum - a bit like this place tbh.
And Bb. Pictures. Or at least a better idea of the spec - NOS, relic, journeyman?
Proper reproduction or modern neck?
Enquiring minds need to know.... 🙂
Love That Pedal Show and Andertons btw.
Waste too much practice time watching Henning Pauly (EitchPi42?).
Dave Simpson, Phil McKnight and intheblues all worth a listen too, along with many more.
Any other favourites?
Will do! I'm slugging whiskey ATM so not tonight...
🥰
No worries. 'Er indoors has gone dancing so I'm drinking her gin and playing bad granddad blues.
🙂
pointy guitars are awesome, although that RG is not pointy, It’s a superstrat (my favourite of all the shapes).
I’ve got a few from Ibanez, Mayones, Jackson and a few others.
I’ve tried a Stranberg that I thought was very different. Loved the body, didn’t give it long enough to see if I could bond with the rather unique neck.
Anyone on here flip their kit on reverb.com?
I’ve got a few from Ibanez, Mayones, Jackson and a few others.
Teasers, everywhere.
(My mates were in a Manchester band called Teaser btw. The bassist was also in a very, very known Quo tribute band, but left because they wouldn't put his face on the posters. Too ugly, apparently. Hiya Muzz! 🙂).
After my initial revelatory experience with the RG550 Genesis, I tried all the current superstrats, an epiphany of bad taste.
The Mexican Charvels were just fantastic - apart from the trems (proper Floyds or Fender clones, too much play/slack somewhere in the system, compared to the Ibanez).
They feel amazing, sound wonderful, yet play like a proper Strat on steroids. Normal, Strat kind of neck, expanded tones. And pink. They do pink.
I love Jacksons, who doesn't?
LOOK AT THE HEADSTOCK! None more Dweezil.
I honestly couldn't find one I liked as much as the RG. The closest was the vintage vibed soloist at about £600.
That one. My God, how cheesily beautiful is that?
Just didn't feel or sound as much fun as the RG.
I tried loads of Ibanez guitars - PMT have a huge wall and I tried every single one.
Tough choice between Japanese built RG and S series.
I fell for the RG550, but my next will be an S series.
Gibson? That's how to retain customers.
Ok I’ll stop being a tease.
From Ibanez, I’ve currently got:
RG 652 in a sort of sparkly blue/black
S5527 with Nailbomb/cold sweat pickups
RGD2127 UC
From Jackson
09 ish dinky DK2 (MIJ)
Adrian Smith san dimas (US one - pretty sure these are made in their custom shop - the wood, the detail is very very good)
Mayones
Duvell standard (black flame). I love this guitar!
Duvell Qatsi in juice burst. Beautiful.
Fender Strat (US). Currently got a hot rails bridge and jb jr neck. Sounds gorgeous but am tempted t put single coils back in
Jaden Rose series 2
Faith acoustic (not sure of the model but know it’s an old one)
I think that’s if for now.
I’m just as bad with amps but have gone through a consolidation and a simplification exercise..
I used to think I was bad with bikes.
Each one serves a purpose - I play in different tunings so that’s how I justify it to myself 😉
I should add - at least I’m getting better at selling gear I don’t use
I used to have a sparkly, salmon pink Charvel telecaster with a reverse pointy headstock. In an indie band.
Did pick up an orange Charvel tele with floyd rose, SD humbuckers and a strat headstock a couple of years back - they were a new run. Really good guitar!
Not much has changed for me equipment-wise
Did finish rehousing my Randall MTS RM20 combo amp section in a new headbox I built:
Excellent amps - you can swap the valve pre-amp for others. Currently got a plexi pre-amp in it. Power section is 2xEL84s so it's like a mini 18W vintage Marshall at the moment (i think the model was a 1974 or 2061)
Also have a Dual Rectifier pre-amp I can put in \m/ \m/
Did get one new amp though:
Love the look on that Randall. Synergy is the other one that works 8n a similar way I think.
Isn’t Randall the chap that invented the dual rec?
Don’t know if any of you use YouTube at all but look up Ben Eller... the guy is amazing at figuring out tabs and stuff for all your favourite tracks. He’s a bit of a metal head, sort of 80’s/90’s era but he’s the only one I’ve found who actually dissects the guitar parts and shows you how to play them authentically...
He also has a weekend **** shop where he takes requests, and rips them to bits..
The vid has the word **** in it (as above) so the mods may rip this apart... but hey, check Uncle Ben out anyways..
Great thread, thanks! Kept me occupied in the small hours while working last night waiting for other people to do their stuff.
Could I ask a bit of advice, my Vox VT40+ died a few weeks ago, made a slight click while playing then to the relief of the neighbours all went quiet. The power amp is ok, I can plug in a source. The tuner etc works, footswitch changes channels, get usual noise plugging in headphones - so I don't think it's dodgy plugs (mentioned on some forums). Seems to be something in the pre-amp. Swapped the valve as I could do that easily. Any ideas what it could be?
I really don't want to bin it as I really like it and don't have many pedals, but a second hand one starts from £100ish and Korg want at least £90 (£60 an hour and £30 shipping back) to look at it and that doesn't include me shipping it to them. Trying to get it into somewhere local - anyone used the place near the Apollo in Manchester?
For full discolusre - I'm rubbish, really rubbish (not quite good but modest rubbish). Messed about as a student 25 years ago (Encore strat copy and 2nd hand Fender 15). Been having some proper lessons recently and as a Bernard Butler fan, I got the VT40+ and an Epiphone 335 dot (cherry red) for my 40th. Also have an Epiphone humming bird I bought to take on trips to visit my dad before he passed away. Using the Fender 15 with a reverb pedal my teacher leant me and a Turbo Rat I bought in the 90s at the moment.
Tbh looking at how kit has moved on, top of my list would be the little line 6 helix into the power amp of your existing amp until you’ve got enough dough for an frfr speaker.
Could I ask a bit of advice, my Vox VT40+ died a few weeks ago,
🤯
I’d suggest the Vox FB owners page for assistance.... there will be a wealth of knowledge on there.
Failing that, any decent Amp repairer will help.. phone someone like Andertons and ask who they use... (I asked them who they use to set up their guitars and they gave me the name of 3 professionals)
But it sounds to me like a wire has come off its soldered connection. If you do fiddle under the hood.. unplug it first eh! Or send some pics of your frazzled hair if you don’t unplug it..
🤪
Tbh looking at how kit has moved on, top of my list would be the little line 6 helix into the power amp of your existing amp until you’ve got enough dough for an frfr speaker
Assume you mean HX stomp, really excellent distillation of the full helix.
For full discolusre – I’m rubbish, really rubbish (not quite good but modest rubbish).
I'm not being modest. 🙂.
I have a feeling bb is though..........
Yep plumber - that’s the one. I had the full fat version and it was excellent. If I was looking for a compact option, I’d pick this.
https://geargods.net/features/how-to-build-an-all-in-one-rack-for-your-band/
Thanks for the advice everyone! Will have a look the HX stomp and try the Vox FB group. I did have a nosey inside, and replaced the valve - managed to keep what's left of my hair un-frazzled. Didn't spot any obvious loose wires. That did happen on the Fender amp a couple of years ago and I managed to find my soldering iron and fix that. Everything's been on a pretty limited budget up to now, but I've restarted lessons and I'm really enjoying playing.
I have a feeling bb is though……….
Modest me? 4 hours practice today and now in the pub... with sore fingers. Beers gorgeous, Beef Crisps too...
Like I do in most things, but just plonk and hack it. It’s my mission statement in life... 🥴🤹♂️🎸
Could I ask a bit of advice, my Vox VT40+ died a few weeks ago, made a slight click while playing then to the relief of the neighbours all went quiet. The power amp is ok, I can plug in a source. The tuner etc works, footswitch changes channels, get usual noise plugging in headphones – so I don’t think it’s dodgy plugs (mentioned on some forums). Seems to be something in the pre-amp. Swapped the valve as I could do that easily. Any ideas what it could be?
Valves these days are pretty rubbish quality compared to stuff made years ago, so it's always worth trying a few different valves to make sure that it's not just duff valves causing it.
I'm a big Bernard Butler fan, too. We've got a lovely 335 in at the moment that I've been hooking up to a Fender Twin through a Turbo Distortion - great for that early Suede sound.
JP
The last thing I bought (arrived Abril iirc) was a Yamaha NTX700C, an electrico-acoustic classical/Spanish nylon string. 75£ over the limit though. Prompted by a love of the barefoot diva amongst others (and the Spanish E minor scale in particular).
So I’ve gone the opposite from the rest of yous 🤣 bring the quiet...
I did get a cheaper Córdoba version but found the 52mm nut just a bit too much of a stretch for my post dislocation finger/hand and find the yams 48 much more accommodating. I’ve passed the Córdoba on to a mate who seems to be enjoying it so all good.
I also have one of them Princeton (68 Reverb reissue) amps and a Vintage Hotrod 52 tele (in butterscotch blonde) which tells you all you really need to know about what sound I’m after. I’ve also a Tokai Loverock (with BKP mules) and various other stray guitars...
Tremolo and Reverb are pretty much all I need (although the effects on the Microcube amp are fun when the urge appears...).
I’m very much of the ‘I play for my own enjoyment...’ brigade as everybody else’s reaction is that SY adage. My ears! My ears!
Popped into PMT Manchester yesterday having decided to treat myself to a couple of pedals, only to discover they didn't have either of them in stock. Had a bit of a look around, including seeing the new PRS SE sandblasted models in the flesh, and still can't decide if I like 'em or not. Came home and a quick look on Reverb led to me finding one of the pedals I wanted at a good price locally, so today I collected a mint used EHX Op Amp Big Muff re-issue. Also put an order in yesterday for a TC Dark Matter distortion, which arrived today. Already had the Mojo Mojo Overdrive, and for 40 quid couldn't resist adding the Dark Matter to the collection. Had a fun couple of hours twiddling knobs this afternoon and making a load of noise...
Long post alert! TLDR: For my 1990 MIM Strat, should I get a new pickguard with all-new electrics, or should I just replace the broken selector switch and pots?
Long version:
So I recently dug out my Strat which has been in hibernation under the bed for ages while I played other guitars, and it's in need of a refresh. I just wanted to talk it through with some people who know about such things.
Background: It's a MIM Strat which I've owned for 22 years - the first guitar my parents bought me, IIRC for my 13th birthday. I believe it was made in 1990 which makes it one of the earlier Mexican-made Strats. As I understand it, these are notorious for poor electrics (more of which later...) but the neck / body are decent. Cosmetically it's not perfect (there are visual imperfections on the neck and you can tell the QC checks weren't amazing) but it plays really well - the neck feel is the best of any guitar I've had. Coupled with the sentimental value, it's not a guitar I'll ever sell.
Unfortunately, all the electrics are goosed. I replaced the volume and tone pots a few years ago but they're a bit crackly again, and the selector switch is terrible, won't select the neck pickup without serious wiggling. So that all needs fixing. I've also never been convinced the tone range is what it should be - the tone dial makes very little difference.
I've played in bands before but not for ages - I mostly just noodle about on the sofa with headphones on. This is relevant because I'm not in search of some impossible tone - I just want a decent-enough reliable sound. In short, I basically just want it to sound like a Strat.
I guess my options are:
1) Complete rewire with new electrics
2) Complete rewire with new electrics + new pickups.
3) At which point should I just bite the bullet and get a whole new pickguard with electrics? If so, which one (there is too much choice!)
P.S. Are the pickup covers likely to be transferable? My pickups and dials have a great vintage yellowed look. It would be a shame to lose that.
Thanks!
If it were me - I'd get new pots and switch and replace the jack plug while you're at it. I would bet the pickups are ok but if you take it to a tech they would check them. pickup covers, knobs and scratchplate are all easily transferrable if you do decide to but good thing about a strat (and using the pickups you have) is that you just lift it all off so you don't need to worry.
I'm not that convinced that expensive pickups make the biggest difference, I think good quality switchgear and capacitors matter as much (if not more). time to don the flame helmet for that last statement.
It's not so much that the pickups are somehow faulty, just that the sound is a bit murkier than I would expect with a Strat. Apparently the ceramic pickups they used in the early MIM (Made in Mexico) Strats are a bit dull-sounding, although I don't really have anything to compare that to. I think new pickups would make it sound a bit brighter, though.
Hmmm...
If it was me, and it was mine, I’d restore it to original and with that in mind keep all the original pots and switchgear in a box and replace it all with Fender new stuff.. TexMex PU’s from the CS range, some 500pots and new fabric covered wires and geranium capacitor ... all available from Fender.
Or
Fill it with McNelly PU’s and pots/wiring from James’s home of tone.
Either way it’s going to cost about £250... so you need to invest in keeping it forever... and by the sounds of it you intend to keep it.
👍🎸
Well I've just had the present surprise to discover that my original 1990s Roger Mayer Voodoo Vibe is now worth £350-£450 second hand. Lovely bit of kit built by Hendrix's effects guru. Now I'm torn on whether to sell it and buy moar toys or not...it is my favourite pedal though...(even though it is huge and brick-like...)
This one is not mine BTW: voodoo vibe
I'd be temped to keep it if your sound is intrinsic to the pedal... You'll not get another original like that without paying £;s for it.
Fix the existing pots and selector, AND, if you’re not happy with the sound buy a fully loaded pick guard with some pups in that you like.
Best of both worlds 😉
Superficial, you missed out some very important info - what colour is it? 🙂
And JCA, keep it for a while. Early boutique pedals seem to be going up in value at a stupid rate. If it all goes a bit Klon, your pedal could potentially double in value over a few years.
Yeah...I'm coming to the conclusion that after living with it for 25 years I can't let it go. I'd probably just complain whatever I replace it with isn't as good.
Either way it’s going to cost about £250… so you need to invest in keeping it forever… and by the sounds of it you intend to keep it.
Yeah that's ballpark what I had in mind. It seems that I could spend anywhere between £30 for an Amazon special no name pick guard inc electronics up to around £500 for some crazy custom setup by Seymour Duncan or similar.
The 'sensible' sort of middle ground is this one, I think. Proper Fender (Made in Mexico, I think?) Tex Mex pickups.
https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Fender-Strat-SSS-Tex-Mex-Pre-Wired-Pickguard-WBW/30SU
Vs this one, a more top-end Fender 57-62 version. I think this is a bit posher, probably made in America, and lower output than the Tex Mex ones. https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Fender-Strat-SSS-57-62-Pre-Wired-Pickguard-WBW/30T1
I think I'm gonna go for the Tex Mex ones and save a bit for a professional setup to get it playing perfectly.
Superficial, you missed out some very important info – what colour is it? 🙂
Ah yeah, it's black with a rosewood fretboard. Simple, functional. A bit scuffed up and well-played but it's great. In an ideal world I'd get a Candy-Apple Red custom shop one to go alongside it! Having said that, I haven't actually played the Strat a great deal recently - my 'best' guitar is a proper Les Paul standard which is just lovely and gets most of my playing hours. Currently the Strat can't really hold a candle to it in sound but I find the Strat a fair bit more comfortable to play sitting down (lighter, curvier) so I'm definitely looking forward to making it sound a bit better 🙂
I've also got my eye on a Baja tele though...
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HSS Strat with BKP pre-wired guard #3
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BKP Pre-wired guard (reverse)
You're not sell g are you, metalheart?
Looks good. I hadn't considered changing colours but tort looks great on black!
@superficial: no, not selling. I have the original fender plate/guard (HSS & S1 switching, white, Texas specials I think) somewhere though. It’s nowhere as neat on the reverse as the BKP one. But iirc that was >300£ over 5 years ago now. The thing about BKP is you can custom build it. Big range of pick ups, colour, you can get aged control knobs and stuff as well if you want... I went for Vintage hot with added bass/baseplates to fatten up the single coils.
https://www.bareknucklepickups.co.uk/shop/prewired-pickguards
I am still tempted to get the body refinished in Olympic white...
there isn't enough low end in this thread for my liking 😋
i have wanted a bass guitar for a long time and finally about a month ago i got one (a squier affinity jazz bass in sunburst).
i bloody loves it i have to say (it does need a proper setting up on the neck though one day but it is definitely playable now).
i also bought a fender rumble 15 amp and a zoom B1 on multi effects pedal which are both great i have to say.
i amnot musically gifted at all (as my guitar playing will attest to lol) but am loving playing the bass. it definitely makes you think in new ways about music for sure.
have been learning a few tracks from psycho killer talking heads to take five dave brubeck band and nutmeg by alice in chains (mtv unplugged version) and also cannonball by the breeders.
i think i am more suited to the bass as oposed to guitar (i still love guitar) and i hope to keep trying to learn new tunes that i love (want to try message in a bottle next by the police).
if anyone else was thinking about getting a bass one day i would definitely recommend it for sure (you can get a great bass for not much money nowadays).
long live the bass 👍 😃
definitely love playing bass but I'm no bassist 🙂
When changing the PU's, change the Pots too.. Plenty of players have done the "Oh, wish I'd done the Pots too..." scenario. And go for the 500 Pots, more signal variations.
And the highset out put PU's aren't always the best sounding.
Before buying anything get onto Youtube and just search for Strat PU mods etc.. and listen through headphones at the sounds etc.
My 7 string is in drop G#..Does that count?
@superficial, you describe your Strat as a bit scuffed up and worn, well it’s nothing like as worn and scuffed up as the Gunnar Orn Tele that I saw at a gig last night! Owned by the singer/guitarist of an Icelandic band called Vintage Caravan, the maker is Icelandic as well.
In the last year then/
Bass for Raceface: I went into a shop to buy a short-scale Fender Mustang and then tried a Squier Jaguar from the same rack, and prefered the silky narrow Jaguar neck. I expected it to sound rubbish plugged in but it didn't. This confused me a bit so I kept swapping them and paid for the Jaguar. I might go and see the nice man at Crel for a replacement P pickup.
I put together a Warmoth tele from parts I had lying around. The pickups were a headache as I wanted a bit more output than my other teles but they kept howling at me when I added effects. I ended up with a set of stacked N3s which provide enough output for a Marshal without an overdrive pedal which brings me to:
A Marshall JCM 2000 TSL 100. I've been looking for one for ages and finally found one with the right resistors and the later non-leaky circuit board without bias drift. The clean has a justifiable reputation as one of the better recent Marshal cleans and the crunch is like a hot-rodded 800. I don't have much use for the lead which is a bit too much. I haven't used it live yet, it needs an audience that likes loud.
On Strat pickups: Mexican pickups have a higher output and sound more Strat like if you roll off the volume a little.
I'm having a spat of chopping and changing.
Swapped out my old Line 6 Spider for a Blackstar ID 30 TVP. The spider was great when I was 14, but my tastes have moved on a bit. Very impressed, it's got some lovely dynamics, like you'd expect from a valve amp, but I can sling it in the boot with reckless abandon.
Been meaning to upgrade my acoustic for some time. Spent 2 hours sat in Rich Tone on Saturday, played pretty much every guitar in my price range but nothing really stood out. Some sounded nice but felt like a fight to play (Ovation) some were lovely to play but sounded dull and flat (Fender Newporter), but nothing hit that sweet spot. Moped home. Sunday I took a chance detour from town mooching into Musicroom. They had a Seagull S6, which I'd heard great things about. Had a quick play and it just clicked. Lovely full, chime and nice fast, low action. 100 quid off retail plus a further 10% only sweetened the deal. It's downstairs now, and I'm very happy, despite it not being anything like what I set out to buy.
Net up is the pedalboard. I'm thinking chop it all in for a Helix.
How were Vintage Caravan? I missed them before Opeth in Glasgow
I think my guitar could do with a proper set up by an expert. Can anyone say how much I could expect to pay?
@countzero were you at the Damnation Festival in Leeds on Saturday then? I missed Vintage Caravan, was looking forward to seeing them. We made the mistake of watching Crowhurst, the singer looked to have just fallen off the stage when we got there. A few minutes later he said "and now for a country song..." we left.
I think my guitar could do with a proper set up by an expert. Can anyone say how much I could expect to pay?
Depends where you take it, the guy I take mine to does a lot of professional guitarists and still only charges £45
Where are you? I can recommend someone in Sussex..
Who do you recommend in Sussex Bikebouy? I am in Hampshire but depending on where it is could be 30mins or 2hrs away 🙂
Simon Bailey @ SMBGuitars in Milland GU30, just off the A3 near Liss... he makes his own guitars too... and he’s really good.
Thats really near me then 🙂 I live in Clanfield 🙂
🤩